Frost Free Faucets

Cold winters are part of what makes us “Northerners”. Thus, our outdoor faucets and spigots are in danger of bursting. The water in the pipes may freeze and then thaw as the temperature rises again, causing pipes to leak and possibly rupture.

In the past, frost-free outdoor valves were installed to keep the water line underground below the frost level. This has changed over the years as technology has advanced. Sometimes referred to as “freeze-proof faucets,” a frost-free faucet functions the same as an ordinary spigot. The mechanism has a compression valve that tightens down on the water inlet to stop the water flow. When the faucet is turned on, the water will flow from the valve to the faucet. When it is turned off, the faucet remains empty.

The difference is that the valve chamber of a frost-free faucet is much longer than a standard installation. When a spigot is connected on the side of the house, the valve is indoors and thus safe from the cold and frozen piping. They function the same as standard spigots.

If leaks do occur, checking on the washer of the valve may solve the issue for you. In order to keep your faucet from freezing, hoses or other items must be disconnected and the faucet completely drained of water.